Dutch legend Edwin van der Sar is not surprised at his old Juve team-mate’s stunning impact as a boss.

He knew the man who was his captain during a two-year stint in Turin was destined for greatness in the coaching game.

Conte has been embroiled in scandal after copping a lengthy dugout ban for failing to report match-fixing while Siena boss.

But when it comes to results he’s made headlines for all the right reasons since becoming Juve gaffer in 2011.

Unbeaten in 38 Serie A matches last season, Italy’s Invincibles cruised through the Champions League group stage.

They knocked out holders Chelsea as Conte’s stock continued to rise.

And Van der Sar has warned Celtic they will face one of football’s top coaches when they meet Juve in the last 16.

He said: “Antonio was my captain when I played for Juventus and he is a great manager.

“He has totally changed the team and the way they play. Juventus play in a new stadium and it’s a new era.

“Antonio is a big character. He has a certain attitude at times, but he’s been allowed to do his own thing.

“He is very passionate and talented and he has done well with Juve. Over the last two years he has built the club up and had a lot of success.

“He has a lot of stature at the club and made Juventus champions again last season.

“They are having a very good campaign in Serie A and the Champions League this year.

“Antonio worked his way up with smaller teams before getting this job. He had a lot of success and it’s great to see him back at Juventus. They have always been his club.”

Celtic last faced Juventus in 2001 in the Champions League group stages, battling out two classic contests. The Hoops lost 3-2 in the Stadio delle Alpi before winning 4-3 at Parkhead.

But Van der Sar, 42, insists Celtic face a much-changed Juve — on and off the pitch.

Gone are the superstars like Alessandro Del Piero, with Conte placing his faith in the younger players.

The new Juventus Stadium has breathed fresh life into the club and they have ambitions to be Kings of Europe again.

Van der Sar said: “Juventus always wanted a very different atmosphere at the ground. They wanted an English-type stadium. The supporters are closer to the pitch now and it will be a great atmosphere.”

Retired Van der Sar was in Nyon on Thursday, representing Ajax at the Europa League draw.

He rubbed shoulders with the likes of Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Patrick Kluivert as a string of top Champions League ties were pulled out.

But while most were talking about Manchester United v Real Madrid, Celtic’s meeting with Juventus caught his eye.

Cocky Italian Andrea Pirlo reckons it was the best draw the Serie A giants could have hoped for.

But Van der Sar — who won the Champions League with Ajax and Manchester United — delivered words of caution. He is no stranger to Celtic Park on European nights and knows from experience that the Hoops can be giant-killers.

The Dutchman was in goal when Shunsuke Nakamura’s 35-yard free-kick won Celts a last-16 place back in 2006.